Scottish Dirk

 

Photography by Jan Riser.

Bag by James Blake

 Photo supplied by James Blake.

The Bill Myers Collection by Morphy Auctions

 

Description

This early 18th century pistol is accompanied by it's sterling silver "KENTUCKY RIFLE ASSOCIATION /1990/ BEST PISTOL" hanging award, made by Colonial Williamsburg. The pistol is featured on page 51 of "Steel Canvas" by R.L. Wilson. According to the Kentucky Rifle Foundation John Rupp lived between 1786 and 1848. He was the nephew of early gunsmith Herman Rupp. John Rupp was taxed as a gunsmith in Weisenberg Twp., Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. John Rupp specimens regularly present fully evolved Lehigh architecture, sleek and graceful with a pronounced curved buttstock profile. John Rupp's work and his pistols are very difficult to tell apart from those made by Jacob Kuntz. John Rupp pistols are much more rare than those by Kuntz. Only six are known to exist. All are very similar with the same form, hardware, style and finishes. This particular example features a smoothbore two-stage iron barrel with an applied brass teardrop front sight. The flat lock plate is marked "J. COOPER" in the center and has a few sprigs of decoration. The lock features a roller-frizzen. The silver wrist escutcheon is professionally inscribed "JR" for John Rupp. The barrel is retained by two brass keys, both surrounded by engraved silver inlays on both sides. The brass furniture includes a trigger guard with an engraved pineapple front finial and a floral motif on the bow. The pommel cap terminates in a point and is engraved with floral decoration around the screw. The two piece side plate escutcheons are classic John Rupp and are engraved with foliate scrolls and flowers. Rear ramrod entry ferrule is engraved on the tang with an acanthus leaf and a flower. Brass nose cap with engraved rocker-panel border. The highly figured tiger maple stock is of classic Lehigh County form and retains most of its original purple violin finish. The wrist has a shaped checkered panel and there is a small relief border surrounding the tombstone shaped barrel tang. Two incised lines are carved on both sides on the underside, parallel with trigger guard. Forend also shows double line decoration. Complete with its original wooden ramrod. 

CONDITION: Very good as found and untouched attic condition. Barrel retains a pleasing dark patina with scattered minor pitting. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration and retains a dark patina, functions properly and markings excellent. Silver furniture shows a dark pewter patina and brass furniture is dark and unpolished. Stock retains much of its original finish, showing some wear from handling and scattered marks. Minor area shows small repair to wood just above foremost ramrod ferrule. An iron square nail was added during the period to secure tang of brass pommel cap. An extraordinary John Rupp Kentucky pistol. DMG Barrel Length: 9" Caliber/Bore: TBD FFL Status: Antique Manufacturer: John Rupp, Attributed Model: Flintlock Pistol Paperwork: Article Serial Number:

Est: $15,000 - $30,000

$7,500 0 bids

Morphy Auctions

September 29, 2021, 10:00 AM EST 

Denver, PA, US

Copy and photography from Morphy Auctions here.

Folding Knife by Charles Miller

 

Photography supplied by Ashley Cobb.

The Bill Myers Collection by Morphy Auctions

 

SMALL CONTINENTAL FLINTLOCK TINDER LIGHTER

Circa 1820. Measuring only 3-1/2" overall. The boxlock action is engraved with a star and border on each side and features a reinforced cock and folding trigger. The wooden grip is checkered on both sides and fluted on the spine. CONDITION: Good with grey patina. Action functions but is weak. Grip shows some wear to checkering. A very nice small size.

Est: $700 - $1,400

$350 0 bids

Morphy Auctions

September 29, 2021, 10:00 AM EST

Denver, PA, US

Copy and photos from Morphy Auctions here.

The Bill Myers Collection by Morphy Auctions

LOT OF 9: EARLY CARVED ANTLER POWDER MEASURES

 9 antler powder measures including one chip carved with crosshatching; one engraved to resemble a fish; one with an eagle's head finial carved and engraved at the top; three with turnings; one faceted and two fairly plain. CONDITION: Very good. All with pleasing patina and showing good age. All are period. A very nice group of early and attractive powder measures.

Est: $1,000 - $3,000

$500 0 bids

Morphy Auctions

September 29, 2021, 10:00 AM EST

Denver, PA, US

Copy and photos from Morphy Auction here.

The Bill Myers Collection by Morphy Auctions

 

RARE AND EARLY AMERICAN BRASS AND MAPLE POWDER TESTER

This early powder tester features a brass testing barrel with round pan on top and a brass testing wheel engraved with numbers 1 through 8 to test strength and quality of powder. Resistance spring is of hand forged iron. The one piece grip is of maple and carved with moldings on each side, behind barrel. 

CONDITION: Very good, brass retains a pleasing dark mustard patina. Grip retains its original surface. A very nice, early and simple powder tester.

Est: $300 - $500

$150 0 bids

Morphy Auctions

September 29, 2021, 10:00 AM EST

Denver, PA, US

Copy and photos from Morphy Auction here.

The Bill Myers Collection by Morphy Auctions

 
ENGRAVED MICMAC INDIAN POWDER HORN OF ROBERT MERCER

Description

This horn is featured on page 165 of "Accouterments II" by James R. Johnston. Robert Mercer lived between 1737 and 1793. He was born in Cecil County Maryland and died in New Castle, Delaware. Robert fought in the Revolutionary War in the Continental Navy aboard "The Delaware". The first Delaware, a frigate, was built in 1775 by order of the Continental Congress in the Philadelphia Naval Yard. Upon her launching in July 1776, Captain C. Alexander took command. The Delaware served in the Delaware River, joining with Commodore J. Hazelwood's Pennsylvania state ships in operations, delaying the British Fleet in approaching Philadelphia and supplying the British Army. When the British took possession of Philadelphia September 26,1777. The Delaware, along with some smaller ships, advanced on the enemy fortifications which were being erected, and opened a destructive fire while anchored some 500 yards from shore. On September 27, she went aground on the ebb tide and came under the concentrated fire of the British artillery. After a brave defense against overwhelming odds, Captain Alexander was compelled to strike his colors. The Delaware was taken into the Royal Navy until sold in March 1783. Robert Mercer, along with many of the survivors of The Delaware, was taken prisoner and put on board the British Ship "Old Jersey" They were among the more than 8,000 prisoners on board. The horn itself measures about 12" across the bow. It has a tapered round spout section with a single relief ring. There was once a sleeve toward the opening, probably to reinforce it. The main body is decorated extensively with engraved geometric Micmac designs in the traditional style. The front of the horn is inscribed "ROBERT MERCER". Other designs include a mermaid, an elk and a boat. The convex wooden butt is carved in the center with a spiraling fan, iron loop for strap attachment. 

CONDITION: Some minor splintering at tip of spout, some chipping to relief ring on spout section. Main body retains a pleasing honey patina and shows some carry wear. Mercer's middle initial appears to have been intentionally removed long ago. Flange at butt was broken or removed during period of use. A very nice Revolutionary War Continental Navy and Marine horn with great history. 

PROVENANCE: James D. Julia Winter 2018 Fine Art, Asian, and Antiques, Lot 2011 realized $12,705 including premium. Ex. Jim Dresslar and Steve Fuller Collections.

Est: $10,000 - $20,000

$5,000 0 bids

Morphy Auctions

September 29, 2021, 10:00 AM EST

Denver, PA, US

Copy and photos from Morphy Auction here.